Just found 2 Deer mice in my birdfeeder bucket(empty) that didn't make it through the night. They are perfect specimens. I have a red fox I'm working on that might be cool to combine with. Is there a relatively simple way to mount these little guys w/out tying up too much time? Is it worth the time or do most people buy the artificial ones.(mice etc..)?
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Be VERY CAREFUL with those guys. The deer mouse is the prime vector for hantivirus. That's not something to be taken lightly and it's killed dozens of people in the US in the past few years. I don't know if I'd even want to screw around with them though I have to admit, they are as cute as a ..............mouse. LOL
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. HPS was first recognized in 1993 and has since been identified throughout the United States. Although rare, HPS is potentially deadly. Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection.
Are you guys tuggin' on my ........?
I didn't find anything in Archives. I'd like to know as my day job is a rat infested environment.
You can find info about it by doing a search on the Internet. I first heard of it a few years ago, when some Native Americans died of then-mysterious causes. Seems like Reader's Digest even had an article on it.
A fellow that had a cabin Near mine contracted the desease, and died. simply from cleaning up droppings after his cabin had been closed up for the winter.
And Vicki is correct on Reader's Digest as well as many medical, scientific, and a few outdoors magazines. The disease comes from the droppings as Tenbears spoke and it is recommended that instead of vaccuuming up the droppings, you wet them down first. It seems the virus is carried in the dust as well. You should not sweep the droppings, as that, too, produces dust. Once it enters the lungs, it causes inflamation that's carried throughout the vascular system in the body. High fevers are the main symptom, often reaching temperatures that destroy the brain and the nervous system resulting in death.
The virus once it goes airborne is a major problem, but mounting a mouse that has been frozen and then using some alcohol around the vent and mouth, skinning with latex gloves and DP'ing the hide is pretty low risk stuff...you likely have a higher chance of getting killed in a car accident then contracting the virus, particularly if you take precautions. Check with your DNR or MNR to see if you are even in a hotspot for the virus if you're still worried...I'd mount the mice anyway, just don't sniff it like a hound meeting buddy...
Remember, everything we do has risks...just manage these risks and don't play with a loaded gun...
Is there an easy way to freeze-dry 'em in my freezer, maybe w/pin head eyes or something already in place? That would reduce the amount of time I'd be handling them. How do you know when they are "done"?(dried)
I hope I'm not "bogging" anyone down w/all these Q.'s, I will also check the "land of orange" to the left<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<.......
If this works I could perhaps apply the method to the occaisional passerine or two. Thanx